Bob Young

Journalist/Community Servant/Author

After more than 20 years as an award-winning broadcast journalist, the affable Bob Young exchanged television air time for the rarefied air of political office as mayor of the Garden City. And Young did not stop there. Six years later, he went on to serve as the regional director for HUD and as an advisor on the White House Historic Preservation Council. His titles today? President/CEO of the Southeastern Natural Sciences Academy and first-time novelist. No doubt there is more to come on the story of this sedulous former news anchor. Stay tuned.
 
One thing people mistakenly assume about me is...
I am living in Atlanta. Actually, I left my duties at the Department of Housing and Urban Development regional office there in 2008 and spent the following year in the secretary’s office in Washington, D.C. Invariably, people on the street still react surprised to see me and ask me if I’m visiting from Atlanta.
 
Phone app you can’t live without?
My GPS in my iPhone. It’s so helpful getting me around on the sidewalks in a strange city. I most recently used it to locate a restaurant in Washington, D.C. Unfortunately, when I decided to walk the distance, I failed to consider that the display on the iPhone is not life size!

What insider tips would you give to a first-time visitor to Augusta?
Naturally, I would be remiss if I did not encourage a visit to the Phinizy Swamp Nature Park. But here is the short list: Get off at Washington Road. Look at the Arts Council and CVB websites to get a sense of what activities are planned. Order a copy of “Applause” from The Chronicle. Only go to restaurants full of cars and trucks with Richmond and Columbia County tags. (That way you will know that is where the locals eat!)

For my next vacation, I will...
Probably work the schedule around some signings for my book, "The Treasure Train". This is a great time to explore the vast collection of cultural resources in the U.S.